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How to Get Rid of Bats: Safe, Humane, and Effective Home Bat Removal

Humane eviction and thorough sealing can safeguard your home from future bat invasions.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 23, 2025

Humane eviction and thorough sealing can safeguard your home from future bat invasions.

Bats play an essential role in ecosystems by controlling insect populations, but their presence in homes can raise concerns about health, safety, and property damage. This guide explains how to safely and legally remove bats from your home, prevent reinfestation, and handle cleanup, all while respecting wildlife protection laws and best practices.

Understanding Bat Behavior and Risks

Bats may enter houses in search of roosting spots, especially attics, walls, chimneys, and basements. While most bats are harmless, they can pose health risks such as rabies and transmit fungal diseases like histoplasmosis through their droppings (guano). Their nocturnal habits mean homeowners often discover bat colonies at dusk or dawn, when squeaking and scratching noises are most noticeable.

Health Concerns: Rabies (rare, but serious if bitten); histoplasmosis (fungal infection from guano)
Legal Status: Many bat species are protected by state and federal laws, making it illegal to harm or kill them.
Benefits: Natural pest control—bats consume vast numbers of mosquitoes and insects

Signs of a Bat Infestation

Before taking action, confirm bats are truly present. Look for these signs:

Scratching, squeaking, or flapping noises in walls, attics, or chimneys
Visual sightings of bats entering or leaving at dusk
Accumulations of dark, pellet-like droppings (guano) beneath entry points
Ammonia-like odors from guano and urine build-up

Conduct a thorough inspection at dusk to spot entry and exit points.

Is It Necessary to Remove Bats?

While a single bat might simply be lost, a colony nesting in your attic or wall can cause long-term issues, including unpleasant odors, staining from guano, and potential health hazards. If bats are present inside living areas (not just attics), removal is necessary for both safety and peace of mind.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Bats are a protected species in many regions. It is illegal to exterminate bats or seal them inside dwellings. Removal methods must be humane, focusing on exclusion and ensuring bats can escape but not return.

Check Local Regulations: Always verify wildlife laws before attempting removal.
Never Use Poisons or Lethal Traps: These methods are illegal and environmentally harmful.
Do Not Disturb Maternity Colonies: Avoid exclusion during birthing season (typically late spring to mid-summer, when baby bats are unable to fly).

Step 1: Immediate Action—What to Do If You Find a Bat Indoors

If a bat is found flying or resting in a living space, take these steps:

Isolate the Bat: Close doors to contain it within one room, keeping children and pets away.
Open Windows or Doors: Provide a clear exit route to the outdoors.
Wear Protective Gloves: Never handle a bat with bare hands; use thick work gloves for safety.
Wait for the Bat to Land: Most bats will eventually settle on a wall or curtain.

Safe Capture Techniques:

Use a sturdy container (like a shoebox) to gently cover the bat, then slide cardboard underneath to trap it safely.
Alternatively, gently scoop the bat using a soft cloth bag. Avoid loose-knit fabrics to prevent claw entanglement.
Once captured, release the bat outdoors by holding it high and allowing it to fly off.

Note: If the bat seems ill or does not fly away, contact animal control or a wildlife specialist for assistance.

Step 2: Inspection—Determining Entry Points

Locating the bats’ entry and exit points is critical for successful removal and prevention:

Inspect your home’s exterior at dusk, noting any gaps, holes, or openings bats may use (look for spaces 1/4 – 1/2 inch or larger).
Common entry points include:

Loose roof shingles or fascia
Unsealed attic vents or louvers
Chimneys and fireplaces
Gaps around windows, doors, or siding

Look for guano pileups underneath entry points.

Step 3: Bat Exclusion—Safe, Humane Eviction

Exclusion is the only effective and humane way to remove bats from attics, walls, or other non-living spaces. The process creates one-way exits that allow bats to leave safely but prevent their return:

Best done in early fall or late winter, outside of the birthing season, to avoid trapping pups or maternity colonies.
Do not seal up every hole before exclusion—this may trap live bats inside, causing odor and risk.
Install one-way doors (exclusion devices) over entry points:

A one-way door is typically a netting or tube that lets bats exit, but prevents re-entry.

Wait several nights to ensure all bats exit through the device.
Once confirmed empty, seal all entry points with caulk, mesh, or weatherproof materials.

DIY vs. Professional Bat Exclusion

While DIY exclusion is possible using simple materials, professional bat removal is recommended for larger infestations, inaccessible colonies, or where protected species are present.

Professionals conduct thorough inspections, install one-way doors, clean up guano, repair damage, and ensure legal compliance
National and regional companies may require permits, so choose a licensed, experienced provider

Step 4: Sealing and Bat-Proofing Your Home

To prevent bats from returning, carefully bat-proof your home by sealing all gaps and potential entry points:

Use weatherproof caulk, expandable foam, or wire mesh to close gaps
Install chimney caps and attic vent screens
Repair loose siding, shingles, or roofline features
Close gaps around windows, doors, and utility penetrations

Step 5: Safe Cleanup and Damage Repair

Bat guano and urine can cause odors, staining, and possible health hazards. After exclusion:

Use protective equipment (respirators, gloves) when cleaning guano
Remove and dispose of contaminated insulation if necessary
Disinfect affected areas to prevent fungal spores or bacterial contamination
Repair any structural damage or staining

Preventing Future Bat Problems

Regular Inspection: Check attics, chimneys, and hidden spaces each spring and fall
Maintain Seals: Ensure all gaps remain securely sealed
Install Bat Houses: If local ordinances permit, consider installing bat houses on your property to offer bats an alternative roost away from your home

Bats rarely cause problems when roosting in bat houses away from living spaces and can continue providing their pest-control benefits.

Bat Removal: What Not to Do

Do Not Use Mothballs, Ultrasonic Devices, or Lights: None of these methods are effective or humane
Do Not Attempt to Trap or Poison: Trapping or harming bats is illegal and dangerous
Do Not Seal Entry Points Before Exclusion: This may trap bats inside, leading to larger problems

When to Contact a Professional

Consider professional help if:

The infestation is large (more than a few bats)
Some bats appear sick, injured, or do not fly when released
You are unable to locate or access entry points safely
Protected or endangered bat species may be present
Maternity colonies are suspected (presence of pups)

Professional wildlife control operators use industry-standard techniques, handle cleanup safely, and stay compliant with all local and federal regulations.

Bat Removal vs. Extermination: A Quick Comparison

Removal (Exclusion)	Extermination (Illegal)
Safe, humane, and legal Preserves bat population Excludes bats without harm	Unsafe, illegal, inhumane Reduces natural pest control Risks fines and environmental damage
Non-lethal, prevents return	Permanent removal, but violates laws
Supports local ecology	Harmful to ecosystem balance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I remove bats myself?

Yes, small infestations can be managed with DIY exclusion methods, but it is essential to follow local laws, wear protective gear, and ensure bats are not trapped inside your home. For large colonies or tricky situations, always seek professional help.

How do I know if a bat has rabies?

Rabies can only be confirmed with lab testing. Bats that are active during the day, disoriented, or unable to fly may be ill. Avoid direct handling and contact animal control if you suspect rabies.

Is it safe to clean up bat guano myself?

Cleaning bat guano should be done with respirators and gloves due to risk of histoplasmosis. Professional cleaning is advised for large accumulations or contaminated insulation.

Are bats harmful to my home?

While bats themselves rarely cause structural damage, their droppings and urine can lead to staining, odor, and health hazards. Timely exclusion and cleanup can prevent major issues.

Can I exclude bats during any season?

Exclusion should be timed outside maternity season (late spring to mid-summer), when baby bats may be present and unable to fly. Early fall or late winter is best for safe exclusion.

Why shouldn’t I use traps or poisons?

Trapping or poisoning bats is inhumane, illegal, and often ineffective. These methods can harm protected species and upset ecosystem balance.

Resources and Further Reading

Contact local wildlife control or your state’s nuisance wildlife hotline for help.
Consult pest management professionals for thorough inspection and safe exclusion.
Check state and wildlife agency websites for up-to-date regulations and guidance.

Key Takeaways

Bats are protected wildlife; removal methods must be humane, non-lethal, and legally compliant.
Inspection, exclusion, and thorough sealing are crucial for successful bat control.
Prevention and regular maintenance help keep your home bat-free.
For complex infestations, seek professional help to ensure safety and legal compliance.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete